Articles related to the Octodontidae, a family of rodents, restricted to southwestern South America. Fourteen species of octodontid are recognised, arranged in seven genera. The best known species is the common degu, Octodon degus. Octodontids are medium-sized rodents, ranging from 12 to 20 centimetres (4.7 to 7.9 inches) in body length. They have long, silky fur, which is typically brownish in color and often paler on the underside. The name 'octodont' derives from the wear pattern of their teeth, which resembles a figure 8.